Bike rack on rear hitch? - Page 2

Meteor · 08-12-2014, 10:58 AM

So, do most people use the Swagman hitch carriers that hold the bikes by the wheels, or do they use any brand and the type that holds the bikes by the frame?

**campernurse2012** · 08-13-2014, 03:51 AM

We use the swagman that has the cradles for the tires / wheels. It works great, bikes are very steady when traveling because of hooks that anchor them down and we also secure them with a locking cable also.

Speckul8r · 08-14-2014, 06:25 AM

I have a 3 bike Allen Bike Rack that I am very happy with. It is a frame style rack that will pivot down with a pull of a pin and a pull of a knob. You can open the trailer without removing the bikes. Plenty of ground clearance. 1 bolt install.
http://www.amazon.com/Allen-Sports-D.../dp/B001M4KXDM

Michoshisho · 08-14-2014, 06:46 AM

I have a 3 bike rack similar to Specul8r. It's a softride Alumina, and weighs less than 10 lbs. Pull the pin and swing it down, and the TM opens fine without removing the rack. I usually carry one or two bikes. Haven't had any problems with it. Here's a link to their site (but I'd look around for a sale).

http://www.softride.com/rack-product...na_3_bike_rack

Meteor · 08-14-2014, 08:03 AM

That's good to know, because I have a 4 bike Allen rack that I was wanting to use, until I heard all the negative feedback about carrying the bikes on the back of the TM. I doubt I can carry 4 bikes without having too much weight, but I wanted the extra capacity when using it on the back of my TV.

Thanks Speckul8r & Michoshisho

FujiPedaler · 08-15-2014, 03:10 PM

As posted earlier on this thread, I found out "most" bike carriers are not designed for or warrantied nor will hold up to the added stress of being on the back end of a trail or motor home.

Swagman seems to be the one manufacture that designs it for the extra forces of back end use.

Just be careful with your use, and do some research before you use what you already used on your auto.

Safe trailering to you all.

Norman

Speckul8r · 08-23-2014, 07:30 AM

Interesting. My bike rack has been on the trailer since the 1st trip and all but 1 subsequent trip, that I can remember. I inspect it b4 each trip and, to date, no cracks, rattles or warps.

FujiPedaler · 08-23-2014, 03:04 PM

Dear Michoshisho:

I just checked out the warranty on your Softride Alumina and it specifically states that it is not covered for use on a trailer.

Just a heads up because of the experience I am going through with Yakama.

Good Luck

08-24-2014, 11:12 AM

I was at the factory in March and they warned me about the weight I was carrying on the back consisting of a tool box and cargo rack. They indicated 100 lbs was the limit, but I carried the tool box probably 25000 miles loaded with fairly light weight stuff we used for setting up. Hoses, blocks, cords, etc. We never had a problem with it. I think they try to be really cautious.